A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aqaba vs. Ubud for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aqaba or Ubud?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aqaba or Ubud, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Aqaba or Ubud?

Aqaba

Aqaba is a port city in Jordan, in fact, it is the only port city in the country. This city is located on the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea, which is in the southern part of Jordan. The city is still being developed; many of its facilities and infrastructures are being improved. The population of Aqaba is about 190,000 and the city has been key in developing Jordan's economy via trade and tourism.

Ubud

Made popular by the film Eat Pray Love, Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. Beautiful Hindu temples and iconic rice fields are the sight to see in this popular cultural, artistic and religious hub on the island.

Though Ubud is hot and humid during the day, it is still cooler than coastal areas. Still, temperatures linger between mid-70's and low 90's year-round, so it is likely you'll experience warm weather, regardless of when you visit.

Ubud's wet season is from November to June, which makes it an unpopular time for travelers. January and February are when Ubud experiences the heaviest rainfall, so it may be wise to avoid visiting at this time, especially since weather will limit activities, bring out insects, and cause landslides and possible flooding.

Dry season runs from July through October, which is high season for travel. Even during dry season, Ubud is extremely humid, so pack lightweight clothing that breathes and lots of sunblock.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Jordan, The Best Budget Tours to Jordan, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, and The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia.


Which place is cheaper, Ubud or Aqaba?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aqaba is $157, while the average daily cost in Ubud is $143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aqaba and Ubud in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aqaba $59
    Ubud $120
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aqaba $118
    Ubud $240
Compare Hotels in Aqaba and Ubud

Looking for a hotel in Aqaba or Ubud? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aqaba


Hotels in Ubud


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aqaba Hotel Prices and Ubud Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aqaba $24
    Ubud $1.64

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aqaba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aqaba:

  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Aqaba hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $59
  • Aqaba Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
  • Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Aqaba: $35
  • Aqaba Airport Transfer to Petra: $90
  • Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) to Petra - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Aqaba Private Transfer from/to Amman, Airport, Dead Sea or K.H.B: $125
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Petra: $105
  • Aqaba or Aqaba Airport Private Transfer To Wadi Rum: $60
  • Aqaba to Aqaba Hussein Airport (AQJ) - Departure Private Transfer: $30
  • Comfortable and Reliable Private Transfer: Aqaba Port to Wadi Rum: $85
  • From Transfer to Amman Hotels or Amman Airport: $113
  • Hassle-Free Aqaba South Beach to Wadi Rum Transfer – 24/7 Service: $150

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:

  • 2 Hour Traditional Balinese Spa with free hotel transfer: $50
  • 2 hours Bali Lulur Massage & Spa Treatment Including Hotel Transfers: $58
  • 4 Days Private Tour Without Hotel with AIRPORT OR HOTEL Transfer: $218
  • 4 Hours Pure Romance & Healing Spa Journey - Free Transfer: $115
  • A1 Airport Transfer Service Kuta/Seminyak Area: $14
  • ATV Quad Bike & Ayung River Rafting - Free Transfer: $85
  • Airport Bali Transfers - Bali Airport Taxi: $15
  • Airport Transfer: $40
  • Airport Transfer Bali: $8.93
  • Airport Transfer Bali from (DPS) Ngurah Rai Airport to Jimbaran Area: $8.00
  • Airport Transfer Bali from (DPS) Ngurah Rai Airport to Tanjung Benoa Area: $9.00
  • Airport Transfer to Central Ubud Hotel: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Aqaba or Ubud?

Prices for flights to both Ubud and Aqaba change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aqaba $73
    Ubud $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aqaba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aqaba.

  • Traditional Bedouin Cooking Experience in the Desert: $50
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight in Bedouin Camp & Dinner: $80
  • "Wadi Rum Jeep Tour + Bedouin Camp & Dinner Under the Stars: $80
  • Explore Wadi Rum: Jeep Tour, Bed and Breakfast, and Dinner: $80
  • Wadi Rum Full Day Jeep Tour + Overnight & Dinner in Bedouin Camp: $107
  • 2 Day Wadi Rum Tour: Traditional Dinner and Starlit Cave Camp: $115

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.

  • Ubud Cooking Class with Optional Market Visit Pickup Included: $18
  • Balinese Ubud Cooking Class with Market Visit and Transfer: $18
  • Magical Village Tour & Private Dinner with Fireflies in Bali: $20
  • Uluwatu Sunset and Romantic Dinner: $20
  • Full Day Ubud Waterfall Visit and Cooking Experience: $22
  • Cooking Class and Dinner in Traditional House by Food Lover Tour: $25
  • Ubud Balinese Cooking Class with Rice Field View & Market Tour: $25
  • 8 Hours Private Balinese Cooking Class with Tirta Empul Temple: $28
  • Bali Cooking Class with Hotel Pick-up: $30
  • Uluwatu, Kecak Fire Dance & Jimbaran Bay Seafood Dinner: $30
  • Be a real Balinese with Traditional Balinese Cooking Class: $30
  • Bali Amazing Cooking Class: $30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aqaba $54
    Ubud $9.22

Tours and Activities in Aqaba

Here are a few actual costs in Aqaba for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Sightseeing Bike Rental in Aqaba: $7.00
  • Turgut camp with tour: $15
  • Two-hour Jeep tour - Wadi Rum desert: $20
  • 2 Hours Morning or Sunset Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum Desert Highlights: $30
  • Wadi Rum Half-day Jeep Tour incl. sandboard, water & Bedouin tea: $30
  • Aqaba Walking Tour : History ,Culture & Food: $30
  • Private Walking Tour in Aqaba City with Free Meal: $30
  • Aqaba Local Food, Market & Culture Walking Tour: $30
  • Glass-Bottom Boat 2-hours Tour and Coral-Reef Viewing from Aqaba: $30
  • Stargazing Adventure in Jordan: $30
  • Wadi Rum: Premium English Speaking Guide 4WD Desert Tour: $32
  • Half-Day Jeep Tour in Wadi Rum with Sandboarding & Sunset: $33

Tours and Activities in Ubud

Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Kubu Bali Experience Ubud Day Pass: $2.29
  • Bali Jatiluwih ATV Ride Jungle Tour: $4.59
  • Sari Timbul Art Gallery Entrance Ticket: $5.16
  • Wheel Bali Ticket: $5.37
  • Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Ticket in Bali: $8.00
  • Mangrove Tour at Nusa Lembongan : Kayak, Paddle and Boat: $8.00
  • Boat Ticket from Kusamba Port, Bali to Sampalan Port, Nusa Penida: $8.25
  • Elevate your Sunset Experience to New Heights!: $8.31
  • Bali Private Car Charter Tour with English Speaking Driver: $9.00
  • Full-Day Private North Bali Tour with Free WiFi: $9.32
  • Bali: Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park Ticket with Optional Tour & Show: $9.61
  • Ubud's Market, Palace and Hidden Museums: An Audio Tour: $9.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aqaba $9.07
    Ubud $6.20


When comparing the travel costs between Aqaba and Ubud, we can see that Aqaba is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Aqaba is in Middle East and Ubud is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aqaba Expensive? and Is Ubud Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aqaba or Ubud?

Aqaba has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ubud. When comparing the sizes of Aqaba and Ubud, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.